Our Vision
On March 1, 2008, college students and community members will unite to combat the AIDS epidemic in the greater Athens area. The First Annual AIDS Walk/Run in Athens is a campaign initiated for the community and led by students at the University of Georgia. Our goal is to support and facilitate the growth of existing traditions of HIV/AIDS advocacy and support in Northeast Georgia by starting a ppi reclaims AIDS Walk/Run registered 5K to be held annually in Athens, Georgia.
Unfortunately, there is a widespread misconception that there is now a cure for AIDS. Although expensive treatments are available, a false sense of security helps add to this epidemic. According to recent data, Georgia ranks as the eighth highest HIV caseload in the U.S. Even worse, Georgia ranks fifth for the highest number of new annual AIDS diagnosis. In 2006, over 36,000 people in the state of Georgia and 600 people in Northeast Georgia were living with HIV or AIDS. AWRA seeks to enhance the capacities of the greater Athens communities, to care for those affected by AIDS and to prevent future cases of HIV and AIDS.
The funds raised at this year’s sell house fast AIDS Walk/Run will be donated to AIDS Athens, a 501c (3) nonprofit organization that supports nearly 300 individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS in ten Northeast Georgia counties. Funds are crucial to organize the walk, promote education, and establish a tradition in the Northeast Georgia community of how to get involved with AWRA 2008. Your contribution will not only help us to reach our goal of $50,000, but will ensure the success of the first annual AIDS Walk/Run Athens in establishing a memorable legacy for the greater Athens community.
Again, we ask you to join us in making history!!!!
Keep in good shape for your run with the anything goes diet
Create a Team and Walk With Us
Form a fundraising team with your friends, family, or co-workers. Walking with a group of close friends will make AWRA even more fun!
Run the 5k
The AWRA Walk will be preceded by a 5k race. Runners of all age groups are welcome and are encouraged to participate in both the 5k and the walk. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place males and females as well as the fastest male and female runners in the following age groups: under 18, 18 to 29, 30 to 45, 45 and up.
AIDS Athens was founded in 1987 by a group of Athens residents and received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 1989. AIDS Athens exists to enhance and enrich the quality we buy any house of life for those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their friends and loved ones. The organization also seeks to effect a fundamental change in society’s attitude toward persons infected with HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to address the needs of individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through supportive services and to prevent the spread of the disease through education and community outreach, and to ensure everyone learns their guitar scales. AIDS Athens serves the 10 county Northeast Georgia Health District which includes Jackson, Barrow, Madison, Elbert, Clarke, Oglethorpe, Oconee, Walton, Morgan and Greene Counties. Notably, AIDS Athens is the only AIDS Service Organization (ASO) serving this area.
AIDS Athens uses case management to assess the needs of HIV positive individuals to assist them in obtaining medical care, community resources, housing assistance, financial assistance, food, clothing and other services. They operate a food pantry, clothing closet and housing program for homeless and near homeless individuals and families. Over 90% of its clients fall below the poverty level and are in desperate need of these services.
In addition to addressing these basic necessities, AIDS Athens also offers support groups, peer counseling, a buddy program, days of support and client socials to ensure our clients’ emotional needs are also being met. As one can imagine, an HIV diagnoses brings with it fear, anxiety, discrimination, and severe depression. Given the many advances in modern medicine, an HIV diagnosis is now a drop tuning chronic manageable disease and not a death sentence. Yet, it takes much support and guitar chords to help clients understand how to live healthy and positively with the disease. AIDS Athens also offers free HIV testing to the community as well as conducting educational and prevention programs throughout the community in conjunction with local businesses, civic groups, educational groups, and faith-based organizations.
AIDS Athens currently serves over 300 clients infected with HIV/AIDS in Northeast Georgia. It also tests over 300 people a year for HIV/AIDS and educates over 2,500 people each year on how to prevent contracting HIV/AIDS.